Forest Minister orders probe into activities of ARRS at Agumbe

Shivamogga

A team of Forest Department officials, on Tuesday, visited Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) at Agumbe in Tirthahalli, to conduct an inquiry into alleged illegal photography of king cobras and the illegal purchase of land.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to conduct a probe into the alleged illegal activities at ARRS that conducts research on king cobras.

Dinesh Kallahalli, a social worker of Kanakapura in Bengaluru South (formerly Ramanagara) district, had complained to the Minister alleging illegal activities by the ARRS in Agumbe. He alleged that the research station purchased land within the sensitive zone of Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and had been conducting tourists’ visits, photography, and videography of king cobras, violating the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Following the complaints, the Minister ordered for the probe.

When The Hindu contacted Sivaram Babu, Deputy Conservator of Forests of Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala, he said that a team of officers led by the Siddapura ACF had been formed to probe into the allegations.

The team visited the ARRS and collected details on Tuesday. “There are complaints of illegal photography and the purchase of land. Our officers will probe and submit a report. Based on the report, we will take further action,” he stated.